A fresh wave of violence broke out in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district on Monday, triggered by protests over the amended Waqf laws, which regulate the administration of Muslim charitable properties. Videos circulating on social media depicted police motorbikes set ablaze and a police bus overturned with its windshield shattered. A heavy police presence was also visible on the streets.
According to news agency PTI, the clashes erupted in the Bhangar area as supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) confronted police, resulting in injuries and the burning of police vehicles. Reports indicated that ISF supporters were enroute to Ramlila Maidan in central Kolkata to participate in a rally against the amended Waqf laws. The event was to be addressed by ISF MLA Naushad Siddique.
Despite not receiving police permission, the rally went ahead. During his address, Mr. Siddique described the new law as “an attack on Muslims and an assault on the Constitution.” Tensions escalated when the crowd allegedly attempted to breach police barricades.
A senior police officer confirmed that several personnel were injured in the clashes. Eyewitnesses claimed that police conducted a lathi-charge to disperse the protesters, with at least one protester reportedly injured.
In response, the ISF questioned the crackdown, citing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s earlier statement that her government would not implement the amended Waqf laws.
Violence in Bengal’s Murshidabad over Waqf Act
Monday’s unrest follows violent protests last week in the Muslim-majority Murshidabad district, where three people were killed. Protesters blocked railway tracks, and incidents of arson and vandalism were reported. Over 200 arrests have been made in connection with the violence.
The Murshidabad incident was also raised in the Supreme Court earlier today. A petitioner requested a court-monitored probe by a central agency into the clashes.
BJP mounts Pressure on Mamata Government over Bengal Violence
The Bengal government is facing mounting pressure from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), particularly in the lead-up to next year’s state elections. Critics have demanded an explanation for the deteriorating law-and-order situation.
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The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which has stirred controversy, was passed in Parliament earlier this month after over 30 hours of intense debate between the ruling BJP and the opposition, including the Trinamool Congress. The President has since given the bill assent.
Key amendments include the mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members on state Waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council. Additionally, individuals making Waqf donations must now certify themselves as ‘practicing Muslims’ for at least five years.
While these changes have sparked concern among Muslim communities and opposition parties—who fear central overreach—Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has dismissed the objections. He asserted that non-Muslims will not be involved in managing Waqf properties, which will continue to be handled by the Muslim community.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear 15 petitions challenging the amended Waqf laws on April 16.
